Scientific Family
Scrophulariaceae
Synonyms
Linaria dalmatica var. dalmatica
Other common names
butter and eggs
Plant type
Forbs and Subshrubs
Origin
Introduced
Lifecycle
Perennial
Similar species
Linaria vulgaris
Height
4 feet
Riparian
No
Typically grows in a mass of stems with crowded growth near ground level. Has deep roots and rhizomes.
Rhizomatous perennial. Clasping ovate leaves opposite, alternate, or whorled. Tubular flowers in terminal clusters; corolla is yellow with a spur held below; axis of the flower is nearly parallel to the stem. Seed capsules contain many pyramidal seeds.
Habitat
Naturalized, found on roadsides, in fields, open areas.
Plant Community
Disturbed Areas
Low elevation
5000
High elevation
7200
Flower Characteristics
Flowers are snapdragon-like, mostly yellow with a white to orange throat; 5-lobed and 2-lipped, the lower lip rounded on top and larger than the upper lip. The lower lip closes the throat; tubes are spurred at bases.
Flower color
Yellow
Flower shape
Irregular
Tubular
Yes
First bloom month
July
Last bloom month
August
Flower clusters
Elongated
Leaf and Stem Characteristics
Oval to lance-shaped to 3 inches long. Leathery. Leaves are whorled and clasp stems at regular intervals.
Leaf type
Simple
Leaf color
Bluish-green
Leaf shape
Round or oval
Leaf margin
Smooth
Leaves clasp
Yes
Leaf hairs
None
Spines
No
Fruit and Seed Characteristics
Spheric capsules opening by slits into chambers near tip.
Fruit type
Capsule
Fruit color
Brown
Produces many black, sharply angular and slightly winged seeds.